Wildwood (novel)

Wildwood is a 2011 children's fantasy novel by Colin Meloy, lead singer of the band The Decemberists, and illustrated by his wife, Carson Ellis. It is the first book in the Wildwood Chronicles.

The novel tells the story of Prue McKeel, a seventh-grader living in Portland, Oregon, who ventures into the Impassable Wilderness, a vast, untamed forest just outside the city limits, in search of her baby brother, Mac, who has been abducted by crows. Inside the Wildwood, Prue discovers a secret world of warring factions, talking animals, and ancient magic. She befriends Curtis, a classmate who is similarly drawn into the forest's conflicts, and together they navigate the political and physical dangers of the Wildwood, ultimately becoming entangled in a struggle for power that threatens the delicate balance of the forest and the outside world.

The book draws heavily on Oregonian folklore and mythology, particularly the history and legends surrounding Forest Park, which serves as the inspiration for the Impassable Wilderness. It explores themes of environmentalism, political intrigue, the power of stories, and the importance of friendship and courage. Wildwood is noted for its detailed world-building, its complex characters, and its sophisticated prose, making it appealing to both children and adults. The novel was followed by two sequels, Under Wildwood (2012) and Wildwood Imperium (2014), completing the Wildwood Chronicles trilogy.